Objective There are no reported studies that have examined whether or not occupational health nurses (OHNs) are screening for domestic violence in the workplace. However, statistics indicate that domestic violence greatly impacts the workplace in terms of medical expenses and lost productivity. Additionally, it has been strongly recommended that all women be screened for domestic violence as part of their health care. The two main objectives of this study were to 1.) determine the incidence and prevalence of domestic violence screening for domestic violence in the workplace as reported by OHNs, and 2.) determine what barriers exist to domestic violence screening in the workplace, as reported by OHNs.
Design An anonymous postal survey.
Population, Sample, Setting, Years An anonymous postal survey was sent out in May 2002 to a random sample of 750 OHNs from the approximately 13,000 OHNs that belong to the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN). Return rate of the surveys was 41% (306 surveys returned) from 45 different U.S. states. The average age of the OHNs was 50 years (range 26-73) and 95% were female (n=290). Reported ethnicity was 89% white, 5% African-American, 2% Latino/Hispanic, and 3% other. The educational background of the OHNs was diploma RN 22%, associate degree RN 15%, baccalaureate RN 40%, master's RN 19%, and doctoral RN 1%.
Concept or Variables Studied A domestic violence screening instrument was developed, using a Likert scale, to measure barriers to screening for domestic violence. The instrument also included questions to determine incidence and prevalence of screening in the workplace. The instrument was sent out to several content experts as well as tested with a group of OHNs.
Methods After obtaining approval from the IRB, the anonymous instrument was sent to 750 OHNs who belong to the AAOHN. A reminder postcard was mailed one month after the initial mailing.
Findings The results indicated that 87% of the OHNs are not screening for domestic violence. The OHNs agree screening is an important nursing function. The OHNs want to ask employees about the presence of domestic violence in their lives, however, most of the OHNs do not feel competent asking the questions because they have not received adequate training. Some of the barriers to screening identified were: a.) OHNs not aware of the laws or legal options in their community regarding domestic violence, b.) the company does not have a written policy regarding domestic violence. In the past year, 32% of the OHNs treated employees for domestic violence.
Conclusions While OHNs recognize that domestic violence is a problem that affects the health and work productivity of employees, they do not feel competent screening for and treating clients that are experience violence at home.
Implications Occupational health nurses need education on how-to screen for domestic violence and treat clients who are living with domestic violence.
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